TIRELESSLY filling out applications, Wesley McGinn almost gave up hope of finding a job after receiving more than 1,000 rejections.

But now the persistent 20-year-old has finally landed his dream role, as a carer for the disabled.

Since his school days Wesley, who lives in Byker with his parents Tina and Gary, dreamed of going into care work after seeing the difference it made to people’s lives.

“I studied health and social at GCSE and A-Level when I was at Benfield Sports College, because I knew care work was what I wanted to do before I even left school,” said Wesley.

But after leaving school in July 2010 at the age of 18, Wesley faced rejection after rejection as he searched for his first job.

“I was applying for every care job I could find,” he said. “I was asking around the local area at care homes but no one was looking for help.

“Every day I would go to the library and use the internet to find jobs, I would use the machines in the job centre and friends were getting applications from their own work for me.

“I was sick of writing my name,” he said.

Wesley also tried every other job he could – from supermarkets to bar work – but with no joy.

“I only remember getting two replies saying I had been unsuccessful – out of about 1,000 applications, I only got two letters back,” he said.

“It was very frustrating. I couldn’t even get part-time work, my mam knew I was fed up,” he said.

But Wesley’s fortunes changed when he was referred to Ingeus by Jobcentre Plus for support. Ingeus delivers the Government’s Work Programme throughout the region, and worked with Wesley to improve his interview skills, write an effective CV, and search for jobs that would match both his aspirations and his experiences.

“They were brilliant and really helped me,” he said.

Through this, Wesley started working for Care UK, which provides care services throughout the region in the health, residential, community and mental health sectors.

Now a trained support worker, Wesley’s job is to help people with learning disabilities complete everyday tasks so they can remain in their own homes.

“I am really enjoying my job, it is what I always wanted to do. It is very rewarding,” he said.

Angela Lydon, Care UK’s care manager, said: “Wesley is making a real difference to a vulnerable group of people and is happy to take on that responsibility.

“It was clear during his interview with us that he just needed an opportunity to demonstrate his many abilities. He’s now repaying us with hard work, enthusiasm and commitment, and his empathy for those with whom he works is obvious.”

Care UK’s recruitment manager, Sharon Bell, said: “Historically, around 100 people applied for every vacancy we advertised so just sifting through these was a very time-consuming job.

“Ingeus provides us with people who have been assessed by them as suitable candidates and fit the job description. Our experience so far has been very positive, and Wesley is one of three people who now have jobs as a result.”